nchungapwhp4 - Tang and Song China

1. Apparts Chart: Wu Bao
Document: Ties That Bind: Paths To Power pg. 261

Author – Who created this? What do we know about the author? What might influence their opinions?	A local functionary named Wu Bao Wu Bao is supposedly about to near the expiration of his office in the guard Wu Bao = wanted to gain place in the imperial bureaucracy. His opinions might not really be in the letter regarding the government, most likely flattery is included The letter = included in a short story by Tang author Niu Siu
Place – Where and when was it created -	The letter was written in Tang China
Prior Knowledge What do we know about where this was created? What have we learned about this topic? Society that may be relevant?	During the Tang dynasty, although bar examinations were required to gain a position in public officer, family ties = IMPORTANT Officials could “pull some ties” and ensure that their family member could gain a high or simply just an official role even though they failed the bar examination This is a recurrent theme in history and politics, even nowadays there are politicians who do this for their family members – even though there are no “royal families” in modern day America, there are “distinguished families”, the last name that means something.
Audience Who is the intended audience? How might they receive this? – quotes to support your claims?	Wu Bao is writing to the nephew of the Prime Minister and a high official to whom he wishes to attach himself with and win an advancement in the imperial bureaucracy The official would probably be flattered – he might even feel the need to help him out, because of their ties Strong language to sway the official to pity him, appeals to his emotions “If you will not overlook a man from your native place…” “turn aside to die in a ditch”
Reason for Creation What is the purpose of this document? Read between the lines, support claims with a quote	Wu Bao wants to further himself in the government and imperial bureaucracy. He wants to befriend the official, by flattering him “General Li is highly qualified… In his hands he unites mighty forces” “By the alliance of the General’s heroic valor and your own talent and ability, your armies’ task... will be the work of the day.”
The Main Idea Support with quotes	Wu Bao wants to seek a high role in the imperial bureaucracy and attempts to do so by endearing himself and befriending himself to the official. He uses “diplomatically correct” and “flattering” language. Tang and Song China = a time where people could quite literally talk themselves into a position. It meant that people might not have actually been qualified, but had personable qualities instead… “my heart has always been filled with admiration and respect…” “General Li is highly qualified… In his hands he unites mighty forces” “By the alliance of the General’s heroic valor and your own talent and ability, your armies’ task... will be the work of the day.”
Significance How does this relate to the big picture? What can it tell us as historians? Relate to ESPIRIT if possible	This tells us that in the Tang and Song dynasties, people with connections (little or a lot) were able to gain high positions in power. A name meant a lot in this time period, and if you were related to someone with a “name”, you could be entitled to inherit power and position in the government.